Edward Lee Matheny, 56, of Buena Vista, Virginia passed away March 4, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born the son of Shirley M. Blackburn on January 17, 1961 in Lexington, Virginia.

Edward lived a life of service to his family and community.

He was employed by Virginia Military Institute for 37 years, serving with the VMI Post Police. He was an active member of the Buena Vista Fire Department, acting as President, Treasurer, and Fire Prevention Educator. He was also was currently serving as Chaplain of The Rockbridge County Fire Association and was a member of the FOP, fulfilling several roles over the years.

Edward was a member of Grace Chapel in Buena Vista.

He was a founding member of the PMHS Blues Athletic Boosters.

Edward was preceded in death by his wife, Felicia and his grandmother, Blanche Matheny.

In addition to his mother and her fiance, James McCloud, Edward is survived by his daughter, Abby Lee Rowsey and her husband, John; and his father-in-law, Walter Coleman; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Steve and Suzanne Coleman; nieces, Carrie Claytor and husband, Cory and their children Zachary, Katie, and Anna, Lindsey Fitzgerald and her husband, Scott and their daughter, Bailey; nephew, David Coleman and his wife, Elizabeth, along with their daughters, Riley, Vaden, and Tinsley.

Edward will be fondly remembered by very special friends, Jeff and Debbie Kerr, as well as their children Hillary and John David. Edward will be truly missed by a loving, compassionate friend, Beverly Caldwell.

Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at Jackson Memorial Hall at VMI with the Pastor Butch Grow and Pastor Tommy Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Monday, March 6, 2017 at Bolling, Grose, and Lotts Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations maybe made to the PMHS Athletic Boosters/Felicia C. Scholarship fund.

Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation services, Buena Vista.